3/28/2023

10 Things for Golfers to Know

After Signing Up for a Handicap Index®       

       

1. A Handicap Index® represents…

your demonstrated playing ability. Your number is based on your scores relative to the course and tees played during those rounds.

 

Your Handicap Index is calculated the same way as golfers around the world, and it can be used on any course with a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating®. In addition, it can be used:

• To have a fair game during a casual round with friends
• As a progress tracker for your game
• To enter a competition
• For equity in a competition

 

2. After you post a score, it is converted into…

a Score Differential™ – which accounts for the Course Rating™ and Slope Rating® of the tees played. 

(Slope Rating) x (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating - PCC adjustment)

• There may be additional adjustments to the Score Differential, such as an exceptional score reduction or Committee-applied adjustment. These would be clearly identified within the scoring record.

 

• 9-hole scores are combined in the order they are received to form 18-hole Score Differentials.

3. A Handicap Index® is calculated by…

averaging your 8 best Score Differentials from your most recent 20 scores. There are also built-in safeguards applied when:

• you post an exceptional score, or
• there is extreme upward movement in your Handicap Index®

4. Your first Handicap Index® will be issued…

the day after you have posted scores from 54-holes to your scoring record. These scores can be made up of any combination of 9- or 18-hole rounds.

 

5. A Handicap Index® is updated…

at midnight local time the day after you post a score.

• As a result, it’s important to post your scores on the same day of play.

 

6. A Course Handicap™ (CH) is…

the number of strokes needed to play to par for the tees being played.

• CH - Number used to adjust hole scores for net double bogey or net par. 
• PH - Playing Handicap is the actual number of strokes you receive or give during a round and is the number used for the purposes of the game or competition. This number is often the same as a Course Handicap, however, if a handicap allowance is applied, if the format is match play, or if players are competing from tees with different pars, it may be different.
• SO – Shots off golfer with the lowest handicap.

 

7. The max holes score for handicap purposes is…

a net double bogey, equal to double bogey + any handicap strokes received based on your Course Handicap.

• • Until a Handicap Index® is established, the max hole score is 5 over par.
  • If using the hole-by-hole option, the adjustment for max hole score is made automatically.

 

8. If you don’t play a hole…

for instance, due to darkness – the score recorded is net par, equal to par + any handicap strokes received based on your Course Handicap™.

• You must play at least 7 holes to post a 9-hole score and 14 holes to post an 18-hole score.

 

9. If you start but don’t finish a hole…

for instance, because a putt is conceded during match play – the score recorded for handicap purposes is your most likely score.

 

10. It’s important to post all acceptable scores so…

your Handicap Index® continues to accurately reflect your game.  A popular method for posting scores is through a mobile app.